Shubman Gill’s performance in the two warm-ups leading up to the four-game test series against Australia made him the front runner when he partnered Mayank Agarwal as India’s opener for Adelaide on Thursday. Not only did Gill prevail over Prithvi Shaw – the other who wanted to fight for the opener spot – but he also looked safer and better equipped to cope with the pace and jump of Australian tracks.
The legendary cricketers Suni Gavaskar and Allan Border also praised the young right-hander and chose him together with Shaw as the first opener for India in the first test.
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When Gill makes his test debut in the historic Pink Ball Test Match on December 17th, he will face IPL teammate Pat Cummins, one of the most powerful weapons in the Australian bowling unit.
When asked if he studied it on the nets during the IPL, Cummins said he should have, but it’s probably too late now.
“I don’t really have. Maybe I should have done it, maybe it’s too late now, ”Cummins told kkr.in. “I think every time India comes to Australia there is a story of a young man or two making a name for themselves in our Australian conditions.”
Cummins referred to Gill as a “class player,” but didn’t forget to joke him when the talented youngster was selected for the first test.
“Yes, Shubi (Shubman) is obviously a class player and it will be interesting to see if he gets selected for India. (If he does) there could even be friendly jokes on the field between the two of us. “
Cummins believes the series opener against India will test the captains’ tactical acumen as day-night games move at a “slightly different pace” and the pink ball swirls a little more under lights.
Australia have won each of their four day-night friendly matches against New Zealand, South Africa, England and Pakistan so far.
India, on the other hand, only played one Pink Ball Test and won it convincingly against Bangladesh in Eden Gardens last November.
Cummins, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, said there is always a sense of excitement when approaching a Pink Ball Test.
“… we’re just a little nervous, but excited because we know that the game is moving at a slightly different pace than a normal friendly match. You can have a few sessions under the light with the balls just whizzing around, ”Cummins told kkr.in.
“After dinner, when the lights are on, for whatever reason, it seems that the ball is spinning a bit more. “In a test match, there can be some periods of time when the ball doesn’t swing, doesn’t come near, and suddenly spins out of nowhere under the light.
“It’s just another dynamic in the game. It’s a tactic the captains have to use – when to hit and when to bowl, ”said Cummins.